The Valley and Beyond

By Voldemars Adminis

One man sees the scourge of mankind infest the world that had for millennia lived in peace. This wizard is determined to do something to protect the peaceful creatures of the world. Struggling against the odds many Elves and other creatures find a home that is threatened. With some luck and intervention they build a community in a very special valley. Outside this special place others continue to live and struggle to survive. You will meet them all and see what dangers they face and how they overcome adversity, when they do. Journey from the Green Island in the far north to the valley and on to the southern desert. Meet Shandra, the witch; Orion, the unicorn; Abra, the master oracle; and many more as you travel this magical world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Voldemars Adminis
• Release date: Mar 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9781999056117

Voldemars Adminis

Worked as a commercial printer for most of my 60 plus years of life. Wrote poetry when I was young but never thought it was any good. I wrote a weekly newspaper column for three years. Was a Scout leader and love the outdoors and all animals. Have a group of deer that regularly visit my yard in the small town I live in. Now that I am retired have time to write down all the images and stories in my head. Never had faith in my writing till I met a very special girl, who convinced me to at least try. Now I enjoy getting my thoughts down that I am at it full time.

Book preview

The Valley and Beyond

Published by Voldemars Adminis at Smashwords

Copyright 2019 Walter J. Scott

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This book is licensed for your enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to others. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each additional recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author

Chapter One

Quiet reigned in the mountains, that the wizard, Taynoric, had made his home. The mountains were snow capped year round, but here just below the snow line, was a temperate zone, that was well suited to a lone human who had nothing in common with the ones who lived below. He would not use his power to fight the many battles those who ruled insisted on fighting with their neighbours. Here from his ledge, which overlooked the vast forest, with fields and towns scattered all over, he watched and contemplated the future of the peaceful animals that had lived there for so long, before the men had infested land.

When Myrian, the dragon came to visit, he would discuss the happenings in the world and on occasion heal a wound that wasn't healing fast enough. The men saw dragons as a threat, not the kind, wise creatures they were. Always attacking them and not knowing, or wanting to know them better. At least here they were safe. Men seldom came up here and when they did, they came timidly, as they were fearful of the power Taynoric had at his fingertips.

It was late on a warm spring day when the large white dragon set down beside the stone house Taynoric lived in. When he came out to talk, the dragon greeted him with a very sad Greetings my friend. I hope you are well.

As well as always, Myrian, my friend. What brings you to my humble lodgings?

I come to tell you that men have started to hunt the unicorns. They believe the horns will give them eternal life. Fools only care about themselves and will destroy the world if we do not do something about them. Many unicorns have perished already, and many more are hiding in the forest below. They are hoping with you just above, men will think twice about coming after them. Others are moving to the far northern reaches and will move to the islands when the water freezes over so the swim will be shorter. We dragons are taking as many as we can, but with the men searching and killing what they fear, we too have to be cautious.

Of course you must. There are too few of you now. Any word from Orion? He was here just a moon ago and said nothing of these happenings. Taynoric asked anxiously.

He is well. He leads the Blessing in the woods at the base of this mountain. I sense he wants to come to you for help, but he is a proud one. That pride will be his undoing if he is not careful. replied Myrian, adding, Is there anything we can do for them?

There is an old spell, but it is little more than an illusion and it would have to be renewed whenever danger threatens, but it is possible. They would need to be in a place that can be better protected than the open land below here. When you see him again, tell him to come to me. I will discuss this with him. Till then I will have to search my books and find that spell again. It has to be done properly and you my friend can search the land for a small, protected place that will support their numbers. I must start looking for the spell. Farewell Myrian. Be safe. Let me know what you find. Taynoric waved as he went back inside the hut, leaving the dragon sitting there stunned at his abruptness.

Since the sun had set and it was a moonless night, Myrian decided to glide quietly down and tell Orion about the decision Taynoric had made. As much as she preferred to remain in her den, she had to help her friends. It did not take her long to sail down and land in a clearing from which she had room to fight in case men were close. She reached out with her mind and it was not long before Orion reached back.

He was happy that Taynoric would help, but then he never doubted that he would. I will go up and meet him as soon as I get my Blessing together. We should be safe there for a while and can travel over the mountains if the men follow us. You will find us a protected place? Myrian said she would and left Orion to do what he had too as she started the search for a place that could be protected.

It was several days before Orion had the Blessing together and they started off to the high mountains. A stream ran along beside them as the forty unicorns blazed a trail through the trees and up to the base of the mountain, where Taynoric lived. The trail had to be narrow, to hide their number, and with man all around, a sharp look out had to be kept.

Orion put the older ones in the lead, followed by females and their young ones. Then the strong fighters followed, always probing with their minds in case man was hidden nearby. The first night was uneventful and as all settled to rest, Orion went ahead to check the trail, when he discovered a man child, hidden in a small burrow. There were several dead rabbits near it. So, the man child had been hunting, and there was no way past. If he did nothing, the Blessing would be discovered.

He pondered the problem when he got an idea. Orion called to the guards and directed them to circle around and come to him from above the man child. When all were in place the unicorns banged into bushes and bellowed as loud as they could as they approached where the human was.

The young man jumped up, startled from his sleep. He realized the unicorns were coming right at him and from the sound there were hundreds. He grabbed his spear and ran down toward his village, to get away from the deadly hooves. To his credit, he did not make any noise as he ran to escape what he perceived as extreme danger. He did not know that even though many unicorns had died, they had not killed any man. Even when it would have been so easy.

Unicorns only wanted to be left in peace and could put up with intrusions of their forest as long as they were left alone.

Orion was pleased with his ruse, but knew now they would have to move faster or men would come to hunt them. He woke his Blessing and got them moving at the fastest pace possible. It seemed they had succeeded in getting away when the sun set on the second day and they finally reached the high meadow, where Taynoric's hut sat. Most spread out to graze and rest, since they had not stopped since the man child had been discovered.

Orion laid next to the chair where his only human friend sat. He never knew why, but Taynoric was trusted by all unicorns, and dragons. It was only a feeling that this man would never harm them, but it made him feel safe to be so close to his friend. When all the Blessing had settled, Taynoric rose and went to the trail head. There he raised his arms and chanted some strange words, before he came back and sat again.

You will be safe here Orion, my friend. For three sun rises at least before the spell wears off. There is a trail through the mountains on the east side of this meadow that you can use if anyone should discover you here. I have never seen a man come from there or go that way, so it should be safe. I do hope Myrian can find a better place before the spell of illusion wears off. She told you what we discussed? Taynoric asked.

Yes, replied Orion,Do you really believe a place like that exists? In this world gone mad.

Man has not seen the whole world yet, my friend. I have seen places far across the waters that remain open for all. If only these poor humans had the knowledge to know that living in peace is much better than taking whatever they want with violence. They just do not seem to have the brain power of a grasshopper. Taynoric chuckled at the thought.

Orion looked at him puzzled, and asked, How do you know of such places? Have you seen them in your visions or have you flown there or is that where you came from?

Taynoric explained that he had been here for many more years than many men live. He had lived in the forest till more people had come and wanted him to use his powers to make war. When he built this hut Myrian had come and they soon became close friends. With the help of Myrian, he travelled and saw the world before mankind started to leave the place of their creation.

It was two more sunrises before Myrian returned and she was mumbling about how mankind was everywhere. She had not found a small place, but did suggest that there were forests, water and meadows in the valley nearby, where the dragons called home. They would be welcome and could live there as long as they wished. The dragons of her Parliament would watch the only two passes that gave access, in order to protect them from any human intrusions.

Orion was all for the idea and he and Marion invited Taynoric to join them. They would help him settle in and all could live in peace. Taynoric declined the offer but did say that later he may join them. For now he would stay here to watch this pass, and watch for others that may need a place of peace. Men already interacted with the dwarves in the northern mountains and he knew of the elves in the forest west of here, so it would not be long till they too would be threatened.

After the last unicorn had gone through the pass Taynoric spoke a spell and suddenly a solid wall of rock appeared where the trail had been. He would enforce the spell again but it would be a long time till then. For now he wanted to travel the land to see what mankind had done to it and hopefully learn more about the men who had come and could not live peacefully. Taynoric found clothes that would hide who he was, so he could travel among men in secret.

Several days passed before the first collection of huts appeared ahead. The men he had met and spoken with till now, were simple farmers and had no news of what their leaders or kings as they called them were doing. No one was fighting any battles, thankfully, so Taynoric had to go to their settlements to find out more.

Maybe fifteen or twenty people in this one, Taynoric thought, as he approached the six houses ahead. A female with two children was hanging clothes. Across the road were four males working the field. They looked up as he got closer and the man closest the road stood and watched, as the others went back to work.

Where are you bound stranger? was all the tall, well muscled man said. He was not attractive but not the worst looking one he had seen. He and his companions wore leather trousers and none had a shirt on.

Taynoric stopped and looked them over, but saw no hint of aggression, so he spoke softly, saying,I am travelling to see the world, friend. Is there a place nearby I could get some food and drink? He leaned on his staff as he waited for the reply.

Nearest Inn is a days walk in the direction you are going. We scarcely have enough for ourselves thanks to King RaMond. He leaves us barely enough to survive the cold winters here. Hope you have many coins, food will not be cheap. There is a well by the last hut to quench your thirst, but that is we can offer. The man turned and went back to work leaving Taynoric standing alone.

Thank you for your kindness. He knew it would be this way with all the settlements he came across. Few had anything as their leader took it all, and took them too when he needed fighters for his battles. It seemed it was the same all over. He did not have to go any further but walked to the well and had a long slow drink of the cold water.

Taynoric stayed on the road till he was out of sight from the huts and he saw no one ahead. Then he strode into the bushes and back into the wilderness that he felt so comfortable with. He had sensed he was being watched, but not by a human. There was a small clearing ahead, so he stopped by the berry bush, took a few for a small meal while he waited for whomever was watching. It would be dark in a short time, but he did not want to light a fire, that would attract attention, so he found three stones and cast a heating spell.

Two eyes gleamed in the dark bush across from Taynoric. He looked up and spoke, Please join me. Is it you who have been watching me for the last two days?

A small unicorn stepped out of the shadows hesitantly. She constantly glanced around as if she expected to see a hunter. You are safe here young one. Come and warm yourself. You can tell me why you are here alone, following me, a human.

My Blessing was killed by men. I had no horn so they left me. she replied timidly, You feel different so I stayed close. My parents had told me there was a man who would help and we were going there, when we were attacked. Will you help me?

Of course I will. Tell me your name, and where you were going child?

I am called, Celestia. Father called the man, the wizard. I only know he lives in the mountains. Where, I do not know.

You are in luck child. I know the one you seek and I will take you there. I was on my way to his home myself. You rest, we will start in the morning. That is, if you trust me. By the way, how many moons have you seen child? Can't be many if you have no horn yet.

As the little white unicorn curled up near his feet, she spoke in a very tired tone, I have seen three full moons. You seem kind. I am too tired to run. Her eyes closed and she slept.

Taynoric stayed awake and listened to the night creatures chatter, telling each other of any danger or food nearby. A wildcat came to warm by the rocks and mentioned that some of his tribe were heading into the mountains to find a safer home away from the humans that hunted them for their skins. The men did not take the meat and left any killed animal to rot where it lay. It was bad enough they killed young ones, but they killed females who were expecting kits too.

As the sun rose, Taynoric woke Celestia, who jumped at the sight of the wildcat, who told her to calm down. He would not hurt anyone with Taynoric. The cat went his way and Celestia followed close to the wizard's heels. It was a long walk and Celestia had trouble keeping up to the old man who was now her guide.

She wondered if she would ever see another of her kind. At times she had tried to talk to her companion, but he only spoke in short simple sentences. She thought he must be unintelligent, until he had stopped by a pond. He had pulled a fish from the water. It cooked in his hands. In her amazement, something told her that, although he had not said it, she had found the wizard. She wondered if that trick was his way of telling her who he was. She doubted she would ever understand the ways of men.

In her time alone, she already knew that the females could be trusted, much more than the men they lived with. She had been hidden by one young female, till the male who was hunting her went away. Although Celestia had said thank you, the female did not reply. So many of these man creatures did not understand simple speech. Maybe if they did, they would not kill so easily.

They walked all day and night with just a short break occasionally for a drink or to eat. It was near the middle of the second day when they came to a beautiful meadow, with a hut near the cliff, placed so it overlooked the land below. There were several wildcats there but this time she did not fear them.

Taynoric spoke to the cats and after a moment they ran to the far end of the meadow and disappeared through the wall of rock. Come child, you have to wait till my friend Orion arrives to take you to a safe place. There is a bed of straw behind my home and everything else you need is handy as you can see.

My thanks wizard. Celestia said, Why did you not tell me who you were when we met?

What purpose would that have served, little one? Either you trusted me or you didn't. I will tell you, that if you had not trusted me, I still would have made sure you had found your way here. I am not one those dense headed beings, who hunt your kind. Now get some rest. It may be a long time before Orion gets here to take you to safety.

Celestia found the straw and curled up to sleep. Her last thought before her eyes closed was of her parents and how they had been slaughtered in front of her. She had sworn she would never trust another of that species, ever. Yet, she did trust the wizard. Several days passed quietly with the wizard watching the land below the mountain.

Greetings, Taynoric. said Orion as he walked up to his old friend. I hear you have one of my lost Blessing here. He had no sooner spoken the words when Celestia came running up and brushed against him as unicorns do in greeting.

I thought I would never see another of my kind. Where did you come from? How many more are there? When can I meet them? Are there more young there?

Whoa! Celestia, slow down. Orion just arrived. Give him time to breathe and rest. You will learn all in time and soon you will have time to grow without the threat of mankind. Are all the young ones this excitable Orion? spoke Taynoric.

Yes my friend, most of them can be very overwhelming at times. Do you have any of that sweet grass I like so much? The grass in the valley is good but I do have a liking of that which you grow. asked Orion.

You know where I keep it. Take Celestia and give her some. It may calm her a bit. We can talk after you rest. Taynoric watched them walk behind the house and although he could easily hear their thoughts, he shut them out and continued smoking his pipe, searching with his mind for any creatures in pain or need of shelter. It had become his self designated, calling to save all the beings that mankind pursued. All those within range of his mind at least.

Chapter Two

The valley lay spread out before Myrian. Trees covered most of the valley floor, with the large lake was in the centre. High snow capped mountains circled all, with only the two high passes that allowed earth bound creatures to enter, if they survived the cold and thin air. She stood and shook the snow from her back before settling down again.

For many years only she and her companion had lived here, over looking this peaceful valley. Deer, elk, mountain sheep and many other peaceful creatures roamed the woods, as they always had. The fairies on the island, in the lake, seldom communicated with anyone or for that matter, left the island that she knew of. They just wanted to be left alone and asked that any newcomers be told to stay away.

The unicorns had moved in to get away from mankind, and settled in on the east side of the lake. They kept to themselves. They had all they needed and were always polite when they communicated with her.

It had become her job to welcome and care for new comers. Her mate had no patience for talking to others. He said what he had to in very short precise sentences. No beating around the bushes with Thane. She was not sure why, but she did enjoy watching and helping. With the wizard, Taynoric, keeping men from finding the valley in the western pass, the chimera, Karzi, watching over the only other way in through the south mountains, and her mate patrolling the valley, there was little to do.

The seasons came and went as they always do and there were no intrusions into this peaceful domain. There had been men who came close, through the southern pass, but they always turned back, because of the cold in the high mountains. They were such arrogant, fragile creatures. Only in their own minds were they superior to others. Myrian had never understood them and doubted she ever would.

Myrian had just eaten a large Modrow that had wandered away from it's herd, when she heard a cry for help. As she reached out with her mind, she saw a smaller red dragon being pursued by many shining man forms on horses. She sprang into the air as she called her mate to help. In a few flaps of her wings, she was over them and with her claws knocked a couple of them from their mounts.

She was turning for another pass when Thane swooped down and blasted them with flame. The man figures turned in a panic and ran, or rather rode as fast as their horses could go. With them away she turned her attention to the little red one, while her mate kept chasing the silver figures. The small one had immature wings so he wasn't able to get airborne. But why was he here instead of the mountains where he was safe? Where were his parents? She talked soothingly to him till he calmed down.

He told her his mother was dead and he had been brought to a large stone man place, as a caged animal but had broken out one night and now he was chased for sport. He was sure they could have killed him before but they seemed to enjoy tormenting him. He had no fire breath, his wings were not mature enough to fly so he was at the mercy of these evil creatures. Myrian was not sure what she could do but knew she could not leave him here.

When you are done, Thane, I have need of you. she called to her mate. Child, we will take you to our caves till you are ready to be on your own. First I want another to see if he can help you. The little one had no serious wounds but his wings had been damaged by weapons so this one would have to be carried to the mountains.

Thane was pleased with himself as he told her that he had not killed the men but they did get out of the tin suits in a hurry as he heated them up. Take him to Taynoric, I want his opinion of these wounds. she told her mate. Sometimes I think you are worse then these men, you enjoy hurting them. I know that it is necessary at times but you don't have to like it so much. Go take this young one up the mountain.

As Thane pick the young one up and struggled into the sky, Myrian asked, What are you called young one?

I do not know, he replied. My parent was killed shortly after I first opened my eyes and have never seen others till now.

Well we will have to get you a name then. First we will see to your wounds and get you settled at our caves. Myrian saw the meadow ahead and was puzzled by the many camp fires she saw. Looks like Taynoric is not alone. Place him behind the hut Thane. He will be looked at there. As they landed, the many elves and dwarves camped on the meadow gathered to see the new arrivals. One young female elf approached the young one, beside Taynoric.

Well, Alfwerdia, you think we can help this little one? asked Taynoric

Of course. she replied, The spear holes can be pulled together and stitched so his wings will heal, all the other wounds are superficial. But you knew that old man. You saw it before they arrived. Is that not why you wanted me here? He is young and will heal quickly.

Go get your medicines then and proceed. said Taynoric, He will stay and rest till he can carry himself to the valley, where he will be taught what he needs to know. I am sure you and your mate will make good parents, Myrian.

Both Myrian and Thane looked startled at the thought of being parents. They had not even thought of that, but they knew it was necessary if this young one was to survive. Call us when he is ready to travel, stated Thane, We will prepare a place for him. They told the young one to listen to Taynoric and he would soon be well. With that they returned to the valley, silently.

Myrian landed at her cave and looked around at the many other openings, nearby. They were all empty and had been for so many years. She remembered her first flight and how all the dragons had been pleased and happy with her. Then the world had been a happy place for all. Then man had come. Now there were no dragons left. Some had left to find a place far away from man and others had been killed as they hunted for food.

Has my queen decided where the young one will make it's bed? asked Thane as he landed nearby. I sense he is very confused, but he is clever. We will have to teach him well. Of course we will need to name him. Maybe we can think of one before he is healed.

You know the naming must be made before the Parliament. Seems we will have to find another. We need an odd number if we are to form a Parliament and you shall be our leader, my faithful mate.

"I do not wish to lead a